ECB to take a decision on KP after 3rd Test

The England and Wales Cricket Board (ECB) has said in a press release that they did receive an apology from Kevin Pietersen and an admission that he did send 'provocative' text messages to members of the South African team.

Kevin Pietersen has said in his apology: "I did send what you might call provocative texts to my close friends in the SA team. The texts were meant as banter between close friends. I need to rein myself in sometimes. I apologise to Straussy and the team for the inappropriate remarks at the press conference and for the texts. I truly didn't mean to cause upset or tension particularly with important games at stake."

Reacting to that, England managing director Hugh Morris said: "We are in receipt of Kevin's apology, but further discussions need to take place to establish whether it is possible to regain the trust and mutual respect required to ensure all parties are able to focus on playing cricket and to maintain the unity of purpose that has served us so well in recent years. Critically, those discussions should take place behind closed doors, rather than in the media spotlight.

"A successful conclusion to this process is in everyone's best interests and is required for Kevin Pietersen's potential selection in all forms of the game to be considered.

"At the moment we have an important Investec Test match to focus on and therefore ECB will make no further comment until such time as is appropriate."

Former England captain Nasser Hussain admits the English selectors had to drop Kevin Pietersen for the crucial final Test against South Africa even though they will be weaker in his absence.
Pietersen has been axed following a dramatic week which included allegations that the controversial England batsman sent text messages criticising his captain Andrew Strauss and coach Andy Flower during the second Test at Headingley.

Pietersen was axed on Sunday after a dramatic week that started with allegations he sent text messages to South African players containing derogatory comments about English captain Andrew Strauss and coach Andy Flower.